title: IFN-α as an Adjuvant for Adenovirus-Vectored FMDV Subunit Vaccine through Improving the Generation of T Follicular Helper Cells.
abstract: IFN-α exhibits either direct antiviral effects or distinct immunomodulatory properties, which was identified as a 'natural immune adjuvant' for both the innate and the adaptive immune responses. Here we have investigated the effects of IFN-α as an adjuvant on the generation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and antigen-specific antibody responses. The data showed that adenoviral vectors co-expressing FMDV VP1 proteins and porcine IFN-α potently enhanced the generation of Tfh cells, the secretion of IL-21 protein and the expression of Bcl-6 mRNA, compared with adenoviral vectors sole expressing VP1 alone. Additionally, IFN-α substantial increased the number of germinal-center (GC) B cells and formation of GCs. Furthermore, IFN-α enhanced the antibody response, as shown by increased production of all IgG and subclasses of IgG1 and IgG2a. Thus, our results revealed the potent adjuvant activity of IFN-α which enhanced the generation of Tfh cells and regulated the humoral immunity by promoting germinal-center reactions and antibody responses.
authors.affiliation: School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
authors.forename: Chunxia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Xiangguo
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Duan
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Lijun
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guo
mesh_terms: D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D029544:Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D016898:Interferon-alpha